Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus

by Wayne Erbsen

Finally, clawhammer banjo instruction that is for 100% beginners! Originally written in 1973, this book has taught more people to play clawhammer banjo than any other book. This brand new 40th Anniversary Edition is newly updated and improved. It contains the same friendly, clear and simple instruction as the original book, and it will teach you to play 31 old-time classics from the ground up. You will learn to Buffalo Gals, Cluck Old Hen, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Cripple Creek, The Cuckoo, Cumberland Mountain Deer Chase, Darlin' Cory, Down in the Willow Gardens, East Virginia, Groundhog, Handsome Molly, Little Birdie, Little Sadie, Lynchburg Town, Muley's Daughter, New River Train, Old Holly Hare, Old Blue, Old Joe Clark, Polly Put the Kettle On, Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Rain and Snow, Red Rocking Chair, Shady Grove, Shortening Bread, Sugar Hill, Swannanoa Tunnel, Sweet Sunny South, Wild Bill Jones. Includes a link to download 85 instructional MP3s!

Genres: Music

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2004

Reviews

[Ian Ritchie]

I used to not know how to play the banjo but then I read this book and look at me now I know how to play the banjo thanks Wayne

[Altivo Overo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, certainly, but probably not the clearest instruction available. True, old time banjo players frequently retune the instrument for various effects or convenience. However, for beginners I strongly believe that starting with the standard bluegrass open G tuning is the thing to do. The photos of hand positions seem vague too, and this is critical to clawhammer. Potentially useful, but not ideal in my opinion.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entered our house last Christmas, and I've been learning how to play clawhammer banjo since! Wayne Erbsen made it really easy; it's so easy, other clawhammer banjo tableture is pretty difficult to read! I didn't listen to the CD until I had learned all the songs I cared to learn, and it wasn't that helpful. I was motivated to learn clawhammer banjo, because my brother didn't really know how! So I can play songs with clawhammer, but I can't play rolls. ;) I think my favorite song I play from this book is Cripple Creek. I've memorized that in not much time at all!

[Paul Bourke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have really enjoyed this instruction book for banjo. I like the simple and structured approach and how it gets you up and playing quickly. It always comes through when the author lives the music, instrument and their traditions and this comes through in spades here. Great beginner book but I believe it helped that I have many years of guitar under my belt before deciding to play a little banjo.

[Ava Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome teacher! Makes learning lots of fun.

I bought the kindle version and am glad I did. A link in the book will take you to the download of mp3s. Or you can visit with the info given on your computer. After I downloaded them I uploaded to the amazon music app which is awesome because I can access the mp3s on my kindle, on my phone or even on my firestick. So no matter where I'm learning something will be nearby I can listen to the song. Easier than a cd if you're up on your technology.

The book itself is awesome! I grew up around all the instruments, my Dad plays awesome banjo, but I never played. Don't know a stitch about music besides listening. Being in my upper 30's I kinda thought it would be impossible. I read this before my banjo arrived and every time I felt self doubt, this book gave me confidence. The humor and laid back attitude really put me at ease. Seemed less intimidating. My favorite line is a simple one. "You can play the banjo". Everything is explained so simple, it's easy to catch on. If something seems confusing, just look it up on YouTube or Google it. Something will click. It won't turn you into Clarence Ashley, but it starts you off playing some of the greatest traditional songs there are. Something I didn't think I'd be able to understand, but a few weeks and a few songs later and I'm obsessed with my banjo!